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Lahore Carpet

by Oscar Tatosian
Published: August 09, 2010

We were pleased to spend 2 days with our good friend and rug supplier Me. Shahid Sheikh from Lahore Carpet Manufacturers. Our meetings included discussions on new color and design trends, changes in rug finishing techniques (distressed look) and their immense capabilities for custom rugs.

We were encouraged by their creativity and attention to the changes in interior design trends which affect the rug business. In summary, an enjoyable series of meetings and collaboration to bring our clients the most relevant rugs of the world.


Designer Ruthie Alan

by Casey Sedik
Published: June 29, 2010

Excited to learn that a friend and good client Ruthie Alan of the design firm Jean Alan was named runner-up top designer in Chicago by the Chicago Reader newspaper. Clearly Ruthie brings her creative talents and passion to each design project.

Working with her is always a pleasure. She has vision for a space that results in unpredictable and unanticipated beauty. No doubt her career will continue to prosper.


NYC Buying Trip

by Oscar Tatosian
Published: June 18, 2010

Oscar Tatosian has just returned from New York City on a Rug buying trip. He found beautiful Tapestries, French Aubusson 4 panels, vertical 4 x 8 (approx.) c. 1900, perfect condition. These decorative and collectors masterpieces should arrive in Chicago next week.

Colors are soft greens, cream, earth tones (ivory field)... Landscape design with tree in corner foreground. They would be suitable for a fine dining room, or dramatic entry.


We're Hooked

by Sarkis Tatosian
Published: May 27, 2010

We're Hooked!! Oscar Isberian Rugs announces a HUGE new shipment of classic American design Hooked rugs. This collection faithfully reproduces the traditional American Hook Rugs. A wide range of colors and designs are available. Wool, cotton, linen and jute are used to make this a most distinctive and unique collection of rugs. All these pieces are handmade and woven with natural dyes. Custom sizes and designs are also available. This collection is available at each of our three locations in Chicago, Evanston and Highland Park.


New Rug Cleaning Section

by Sarkis Tatosian
Published: May 13, 2010

We have just completed a total remodel of the Rug Cleaning Section on our web site. We have added more information regarding our services, additional pictures, pricing, discounts and videos. The new videos show the various Oscar Isberian Cleaning Processes including Soap & Cold Water Cleaning, Steam Cleaning and Hand Cleaning. A convenient Contact Form is also available to send us a message, ask a question or request a pick-up for cleaning.


New Shipment Party

by Sarkis Tatosian
Published: May 12, 2010

Oscar Isberian Rugs hosted a "New Shipment Party" at the Chicago store location this Tuesday night. Over one hundred attended the event which featured the first viewing of a collection of rugs from Nepal and India. The goods were selected by Oscar Tatosian and Brian Rojanasumaphong of Oscar Isberian Rugs who discovered some exciting new patterns and textures on their recent trip. It was an exceptional collection of rugs which was very well received by those who attended. In addition to delicious food and drink, tickets for four Cubs games were offered in a raffle.


Rugs for the Setai - New York

by Brian Rojanasumaphong
Published: May 07, 2010

Oscar Isberian Rugs recently sent Brian Rojanasumaphong, sales manager of the Kinzie Street location, to New York City for the opening of the Setai. Oscar Isberian was pleased to have furnished all of the rugs in the model units through the revered design firm Soucie Horner, and was on hand to see how they melded seamlessly with the comfortable yet chic Asian-inspired interiors.

Located downtown next to the NYSE, the building is a prime location for weary bankers or stock brokers looking to escape the commute back to Greenwich. Soucie Horner's vision, using Oscar Isberian rugs, has created an oasis of calm, elegance, and comfort.


Frances Xavier Warde School of Chicago Auction

by Sarkis Tatosian
Published: May 06, 2010

Oscar Isberian Rugs is proud to have been part of a successful auction event for the Frances Xavier Warde School of Chicago. FXW students were inspired by nature to create images that reflect their artistic ability in simple form. These images, with the help of Oscar Isberian Rugs were transformed into beautiful hand woven rugs from Nepal. There were 19 rugs created and they were the centerpiece of a successful auction to raise funds for the school.


Luxe Lunch

by Sarkis Tatosian
Published: May 05, 2010

Sarkis Tatosian of Oscar Isberian Rugs attended the first Luxe Lunch at Kinzie Street Chop House on Wednesday May 5, 2010. Luxe is one of the top shelter magazines in the country. They are hosting a series of lunches bringing together representatives of the design community to share thoughts and ideas over lunch. Among those present at the inaugural lunch were Sonia Dumont of Atelier Jouvence, Tom Ferguson of Tom Ferguson Interiors, Mike Cao of Jesse Chicago and Daniel Garcia and Linda Trilla DiDonata of Jagoli. Our gracious host was Andrew Rees of Luxe. The group had a nice entertaining two hour delicious lunch.


ASID Industry Partners Forum

by Sarkis Tatosian
Published: April 14, 2010

On Tuesday April 13 the ASID Industry Partners Forum had a nice evening of dinner, drinks and discussion. The topic of the evening was how social networking on the internet can be an effective way to increase business. Denise Butchko of Closet Works gave an excellent presentation on the methods and benefits of social networking. She helped those who had little experience in the process as well as those who were already active but were unaware of all the tools and websites that are available. Much of the discussion focused on facebook and linkedin. Over twenty members attended, it was a very informative and interesting evening.


ASID Mixer at O'Briens-Chicago

by Sarkis Tatosian
Published: March 16, 2010

The Chicago Chapter of Industry Partners of ASID met for a meeting and mixer at O'Briens in Chicago on Monday March 8th. A number of Chicago Industry Partners have formed a peer group that meet once a month to discuss and share ideas on how to better serve the design community. This meeting included a number of designers who shared with the group their needs and requirements from vendors. Sarkis Tatosian of Oscar Isberian Rugs is a founding member of this group and has found it very beneficial and educational. The group is seeking new members, anyone interested can contact Sarkis at 847-475-0000 or at sarkis@isberian.com.


Spring Decorating and Cleaning

by Sarkis Tatosian
Published: March 10, 2010

Spring is just around the corner and a great time to shop for Oriental Rugs and Area Rugs. Check out our vast selection of Traditional, Contemporary, Antiques, Runners and many more at special prices.

We carry Rugs from all over the world including: India, Nepal, China, Pakistan and Iran. Shop online or in our 3 Chicago Area Stores. More info at www.isberian.com.

We also offer professional Rug Cleaning services, right in time for Spring Cleaning Projects.


Upcoming Charity Events

by Oscar Tatosian
Published: March 8, 2010

Oscar Isberian Rugs is pleased to support three not-for-profit charities by donating to their silent auctions. We consider it part of our civic duty to support, in our own small way, these worthwhile causes. Upcoming recipients of a small rug contribution are:

Kids in Danger A charity that promotes safer children's products. The event is April 21 at Hugo's Frog Bar. For info call 312-595-0649

Society of Architectural Historians 70th Anniversary Benefit, Merchandise Mart, April 24, 2010
A national event that bring together the nation's top architects.

Chicago Architecture Foundation A Model City, 35th Annual Gala, March 13, 2010
A worthy organization-for information call 312-922-3432


Our Travels to Nepal

By Brian Rojanasumaphong
Published: March 5, 2010

On Oscar Isberian's latest trip overseas, we had the opportunity to visit our weavers in Kathmandu, Nepal. Traveling to Kathmandu Valley is quite an experience: flying over picturesque villages, nestled beautifully between terraces cut into the hillsides for farming, one could imagine that the industrial revolution had never happened. A bucolic scene unfolded as we crossed from India to Nepal, and whet our appetites to be on the ground experiencing the country more intimately.

We were met at the airport by Tenzin, the owner of the company, and one of the most talented makers of fine, hand-woven rugs in all of Nepal. After settling in at our hotel, we visited the dye plant, the weaving centers, and then facility where they wash, design, and block the rugs. What was striking was the mix of old and new, of tradition meeting technology. While all of the physical work is still done as it has been for hundreds, or perhaps thousands of years, with each step laboriously carried out without even a hint of automation, a new computer program was allowing them to design rugs of striking complexity.

We look forward to developing a new line with these talented artisans, and invite you in to see the results.


Domotex Hannover

By Brian Rojanasumaphong
Published: March 3, 2010

After stepping off the plane in Hannover, Germany, Mesrop Darian, sales manager of our Evanston location, and myself, were greeted by a sign welcoming us to the the trade-show capitol of Europe. Attending Domotex for the first time, an internationally important flooring show that encompasses everything from tile to hand-made carpets, was an informative experience: one filled with face-to-face meetings with talented weavers from around the globe.

Of particular interest were the cutting edge Tibetan rugs from Nepal, comprised of such materials as Indian silk, linen, Tibetan wool, and hemp. Infinitely more complex than others we have seen before, subtle shading in texture, color, and design result in a rug that is painterly in appearance.

Our next great find was with a valued weaver with whom we have had a long and close relationship. He showed some spectacular new rugs: a line of gabbehs rendered in all-natural, undyed wool, equally at home in a starkly modern pied-a-terre or a Aspen skiing lodge.

Overall, it was an incredibly fruitful trip for Oscar Isberian Rugs, and we look forward to receiving these carpets in our showrooms.


Inspiring India

by Oscar Tatosian
Published: March 1, 2010

During February, I traveled with 5 colleagues to India in search of a weaver who could interpret and create new carpet designs and textures. Our goal was to seek luxury fibers-including Cashmere, Silk, and Mohair.

We were successful in Jaipur - where a weaver presented a rug woven with Mongolian cashmere-a beautiful long fiber, soft to the touch. I have never felt a better rug. This special silver, gold and ivory 9'x12' rug with a geometric design should arrive in about 5 months.


2010 ASID Design Summit

by Sarkis Tatosian
Published: February 20, 2010

Oscar Isberian Rugs will be exhibiting and is a sponsor of the 2010 American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Design Summit. The event will take place on Thursday February 25 from 9am to 3pm at Chicago's Merchandise Mart. The summit is an excellent way for designers, design students and vendors to network and educate each other on recent trends in the design industry. Register now for this Event.


Lyric Opera of Chicago

by Sarkis Tatosian
Published: February 11, 2010

Oscar Tatosian of Oscar Isberian Rugs was co-chairman of this year's "Fantasy of the Opera Gala." The event was a huge success, raising over half a million dollars. This was the 25th year the gala has been held, and many agree was the most successful. Oscar Isberian Rugs helped add to the beautiful setting by providing oriental rugs to grace the floors.

The evening began with tasty morsels prepared by some of Chicago's top chefs. After the tasting, attendees enjoyed the Fantasy Cabaret, which featured operatic luminaries such as Susan Graham and Danielle De Niese. The evening concluded with a wonderful dinner prepared by Calihan Catering and music by the Ken Arlen Orchestra. Oscar Isberian Rugs is honored to support the Lyric Opera of Chicago.


Our Take on the SURFACES Show

by Sarkis Tatosian
Published: February 7, 2010

Sarkis Tatosian and Sevak Alaverdyan of Oscar Isberian Rugs recently returned from the SURFACES Floor Covering show in Las Vegas. We visited the show to seek new suppliers for our expanding broadloom carpet department and search for runner collections for stairs and halls. We were pleasantly surprised to meet a weaver who is making some very unusual and creative textural weavings and should receive samples of these pieces next month.

The show was very well attended with most vendors agreeing this year was busier than 2009. Glad we attended.


New Collection of Rugs from India Arrive

by Sarkis Tatosian
Published: February 2, 2010

A new shipment of rugs, selected by Sarkis Tatosian on a recent buying trip to India, recently arrived at Oscar Isberian Rugs. The rugs, including a unique collection of transitional pieces from a trio of weavers in Agra, were chosen from the towns of Varanasi, Jaipur and Agra. These pieces have subtle all over patterns in a range of beautiful colors.

The finest rugs in the shipment are a collection of all silk rugs from Jaipur. These rugs are highly decorative and extremely unique. Most are in tone on tone shades with very little contrast. We expect the design community to respond well to this collection. The selections from Varanasi were their usual high standard of traditional merchandise. The collection of rugs is available for viewing at all of our three locations.


SURFACES Floor Covering Show

by Sarkis Tatosian
Published: January 28, 2010

Sarkis Tatosian and Sevak Alaverdyan of Oscar Isberian Rugs will be attending the SURFACES Floor Covering show in Las Vegas in February 2010.

SURFACES is, undoubtedly, the only industry event where floor covering professionals from around the world gather for three days to get business done. They leave with the necessary tools and knowledge needed for business success. In this challenging economic climate, SURFACES is the indispensable part of the equation for all retailers, distributors, architects, designers and installers to sustain and grow their business.


Oscar Isberian Rugs now carrying Merida Meridian Rugs

by Oscar Tatosian
Published: January 15, 2010

Oscar Isberian Rugs is now carrying the Merida Meridian line of sisal and natural fiber carpets. Merida Meridian is the premier source for distinctively designed woven natural fiber rugs. The rug's natural fibers include sisal, jute, wool, paper and abaca and offer a clean, sophisticated aesthetic that matches with any room décor.

Merida Meridian is founded on and committed to a tradition of integrating the finest quality natural fibers with innovative textile design and floor covering style. The natural fiber area rugs are uniquely customized through sizing, colors, patterns and a selection of hundreds of different edge finishes. Merida Meridian is a recognized and trusted brand among interior designers, architects and carpet and furniture retailers.


Oscar Tatosian attends National Oriental Rug Market in Atlanta

by Oscar Tatosian
Published: January 13, 2010

I attended the National Oriental Rug Market in Atlanta on January 9. Although the show was not well attended, I selected some large, beautiful Iranian Sultan Abad carpets and viewed some new designs from Nepal. Tufenkian offered some innovative creations having bright colors and geometric forms.

New introductions included a collection from Safavieh featuring designs from Tom Filicia, (TV personality). Safavieh also featured Martha Stewart, Thomas Obrien, David Easton and Jamie Drake rugs.

It was a worthwhile trip- inspiring rugs to help make 2010 a year of success.


Oscar and Sarkis Tatosian Co-Host ASID Event with The Golden Triangle

by Rob Fenoglio
Published: December 9, 2009

Monday night, Oscar and Sarkis Tatosian of Oscar Isberian Rugs co-hosted a holiday event with The Golden Triangle for the American Society of Interior Designers. ASID is the leading organization for interior design professionals founded in 1975. Not only is it the largest and leading professional organization for interior designers, but also the oldest.

The event was held at The Golden Triangle, a well-known antique furnishings and artifacts store located just north of the Chicago River. The Golden Triangle specializes in Asian antiques and recently began its own modern collection of hand-crafted from salvaged hardwoods. The store originally started selling artifacts and antiques from Chiang Mai, Thailand. However, over the years the store expanded its collections to include antiques from all over Asia and, more recently, Europe.

The holiday event served Asian cuisine and featured two Thai Angels who greeted guests as they arrived. There was also a wildly successful raffle, which included prizes ranging from Club Box seats for a White Sox game to fine pearl-encrusted jewelry. Funds for the ASID were provided through the furiously-purchased raffle tickets. Over 130 guests attended the event and by the expressions on the faces of the attendees and hosts, the holiday event was a considered a great success.


Oscar and Sarkis Tatosian Host Designs for Dignity Fundraiser

by Rob Fenoglio
Published: December 4, 2009

Wednesday evening, I attended a fundraiser soireé hosted by Oscar and Sarkis Tatosian, the brothers who run Oscar Isberian Rugs. The fundraiser was held for Designs for Dignity, a design organization that engages the design community and its resources to help those in need through pro bono design, to bring more awareness to the charity's mission statement and purpose.

The party was held at Oscar's home, the historic William H. Reid Home, on Prairie Avenue. The notable home was built in 1894 in the "Classical Revival" style. Mr. Tatosian purchased the home in 2002 and has been renovating the exterior of the building, while maintaining the historic and rich interior. The interior showcases a gorgeous mahogany staircase, a stained-glass dome, and a spacious 30' x 30' ballroom on the third floor.

Not only was the fundraiser a way for Designs for Dignity to make itself more known in the design community and unite designers for an important cause, but it was also a great success in regards to its vibrant and diversified attendance of designers and design firms.

Just being able to meet such talented designers in such a beautiful and historically rich location was enough to make anyone excited and left speechless. This was not only one of my first major experiences working for Oscar Isberian Rugs, but will be something that I am also able to remember as a great experience and opportunity.


Afghanistan Masterpieces Arrive

by Sarkis Tatosian
Published: December 3, 2009

The wait is over... our new line of Afghanistan Rugs has just arrived and is available for viewing. These unique rugs promote Mamluc patterns which originate from Egypt and have been faithfully interpreted by Afghan artisans. The rugs feature both decorative soft color designs and high knot count intricate patterns. Please call any of our stores for details.


ASID Year of the Tiger Soiree

by Sarkis Tatosian
Published: November 25, 2009

Oscar Isberian Rugs is co-hosting the 2009 American Society of Interior Designers Holiday party. The party will be December 7 from 5:30pm to 8:00pm at the Golden Triangle 330 N. Clark St. Chicago, IL. This is the first year ASID is opening the party to non members and we look forward to a great turnout to celebrate the Yin and Yang of the Holiday season. Tickets are available for $25 per person, hors d'oeuvres and drinks will be served. Please call 312-467-5080 for details.


New Moderns Collection by Laura Kirar

by Sarkis Tatosian
Published: November 24, 2009

Oscar Isberian Rugs is proud to introduce the New Moderns Collection, a line of exclusive designs by one of today's most exciting talents, Laura Kirar. Laura Kirar is Founder and Creative Director of the Interior Design firm TRU Design in New York City. Kirar studied fine arts at the Art Institute of Chicago before designing for Holly Hunt.

The new Moderns Collection is a product of Kirar's appreciation and fascination with contemporary art, and draws inspiration from four modern artists: Sol LeWitt, Gerhardt Richter, Richard Sierra and John Cage. The collection take a minimalist approach to creating geometric patterns which explore the shared strength and juxtaposed textures of wool and hemp.

Make plans to view these unique rugs at any of our three showrooms.


Afghanistan Masterpieces Available Soon

by Sarkis Tatosian
Published: November 21, 2009

Sarkis Tatosian has returned from Los Angeles where he inspected a shipment of rugs just in from Afghanistan. Oscar Isberian Rugs has been working in conjunction with a Los Angeles merchant in creating this unique line of rugs. The skilled Afghan weavers of these particular rugs excel at both decorative soft color designs and high knot count intricate patterns. The jewel in this shipment are the Mamluc patterns which originate from Egypt and have been faithfully interpreted by the Afghan artisans. The rugs will be available in early December at all locations.


Oscar Tatosian visits Armenia

by Casey Sedik
Published: November 17, 2009

Oscar Tatosian recently returned from a one week trip to Armenia. During the trip he made selective rug purchases and attended to Church affairs in his role as the Chairman of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of America headquartered in New York City. Oscar is delighted about his latest unique finds. These Armenian inscribed kilim rugs, woven between 1920 - 1930, feature geometric design details which fit comfortably in both contemporary and traditional interiors. Oscar was part of a delegation which convened to review the fundamental principles of the Universal Armenian Church last discussed in 1907- those in attendance included representatives from Australia, North America, South America, Europe and the Middle East. Oscar typically makes trips to Armenia four to five times per year. Oscar's latest finds will arrive at Oscar Isberian Rugs stores in the coming weeks.


Architect and Designer Party at Oscar's House

by Casey Sedik
Published: November 16, 2009

Oscar Tatosian recently hosted a party at his house for the Chicago A&D community. Guests included Barbara Sallick, Co-founder and Senior Vice President of Design at Waterworks, The Isberian family and sales staff from the Chicago, Evanston and Highland Park stores joined the Waterworks Merchandise Mart-Chicago team in welcoming the approximately 250 party goers. Oscar's historic Classical Revival style house was built in 1854 and he purchased the former William H. Reid house in 2002. The home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as an architecturally significant example of the elegant homes which lined Prairie Avenue in the late 19th century. Beneath the Tiffany stained glass dome- original to the home- guests strolled around a free standing Waterworks tub which sat atop an exquisite hand-woven rug from India. Lavish hors-d'oeuvres, generous cocktails and a DJ in the third floor ballroom made the party a smashing hit.


Rug Cleaning for the Holidays

by Sarkis Tatosian
Published: November 16, 2009

The Holidays are fast approaching and your rugs will look their best after a professional cleaning from the experts at Oscar Isberian Rugs. For 89 years we have been cleaning and restoring rugs in the Chicago area with unmatched service and quality. Both Pick-up & Delivery and Drop-off services are available. Please call any of our stores for rates and details.


Antico Design Rugs from Nepal Arrive

by Sarkis Tatosian
Published: November 15, 2009

Oscar Isberian Rugs has just received a long awaited shipment of rugs from Nepal. The shipment features over twenty color ways of the exclusive Tibetan Antico design. Antico is a luxurious silk and wool hand-woven masterpiece. There are also twenty new patterns in creative modern and transitional designs. The goods will be unpacked, inspected and ready to view starting the week of November 16, 2009 at all of our stores.


Oscar Isberian Rugs To Be A Sponsor of DIFFA's 2009 Dining by Design

by Sarkis Tatosian
Published: November 9, 2009

Oscar Isberian Rugs is proud to be a sponsor for DIFFA's 2009 Dining by Design event. DIFFA is the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS. Established in 1984, it is one of the oldest and largest funders of HIV/AIDS service and education programs. The event will be on November 7, 2009 at the Chicago Merchandise Mart. This one-of-a-kind event pairs some of the most talented Chicago designers with the sponsors to create spectacular dining areas for each of the hosts. Oscar Isberian Rugs has been paired with designers Randy Heller and Catrina Won.


New Line Of Moroccan Rugs Arrive

by Brian Rojanasumaphong
Published: November 6, 2009

Oscar Isberian Rugs is pleased to announce the arrival of a new line of Moroccan rugs. Hand-carded, hand-spun wool is used in faithful execution of these treasured tribal weavings of Northern Africa. Equally fitting in traditional or contemporary settings, their versatility is surpassed only by their beauty. Please call any of our stores for details and/or to set an appointment to view these rugs.


Rug Buying Trip to India

by Sarkis Tatosian
Published: November 3, 2009

Oscar Isberian Rugs specialists just recently returned from a buying trip to the Indian towns of Varanasi, Agra and Jaipur. The main purpose of this trip was to select and develop non-traditional design rugs. Our regular visits to India help us directly communicate to the weavers the colors, designs and textures that are most desirable to our customers. We found a number of new and creative looks with one of the most interesting being a line of all silk carpets in traditional and non-traditional patterns. The weavers in India have a great deal of enthusiasm and are truly determined to make the best and most creative rugs in the world.


Oscar Isberian Rugs totally remodels Website and adds E-Commerce

by Sarkis Tatosian
Published: November 2, 2009

Oscar Isberian Rugs has just completed a total remodeling of our website. Check it out at www.isberian.com.

We have added an E-Commerce Webstore powered by Amazon with new rugs at great prices added every week. Lots of new information and pictures... let us know what you think.